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January 2015 Community News

• “Sustainable Food” movie series begins, seed swap too!
• Award-winning January Series returns to Oak Hills
• Bethany-governance: Beaverton
• BSD New Middle School Open House
• Celebrate MLK weekend at Cedar Mill Park
• "Nature Kids" Preschool Open House
• Caregiver series
• Musical theater stars in concert
• Forum schedule, new President
• First Garden Club Meeting of the Year!
• Legislative Town Hall
• New Merkley WashCo rep
• Stormwater class series
• Concert For the Kids
• Can Your Ashes
• Viva Villages

“Sustainable Food” movie series begins, seed swap too!

Saturday, January 17, 6:30 pm, Leedy Grange Hall, 835 NW Saltzman

“King Corn” will be the first offering in Leedy Grange’s new series of documentary movies exploring topics around sustainable food. The 2007 film concerns “two friends, one acre of corn, and the subsidized crop that drives our fast-food nation. Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis, best friends from college on the east coast, move to the heartland to learn where their food comes from. With the help of friendly neighbors, genetically modified seeds, and powerful herbicides, they plant and grow a bumper crop of America’s most-productive, most-subsidized grain on one acre of Iowa soil. But when they try to follow their pile of corn into the food system, what they find raises troubling questions about how we eat—and how we farm.”

Doors will open at 6:30 for light snacks and conversation. The movie will show at 7 pm, followed by a “seed swap.” Bring your leftover seed packets from 2014. Most seeds are good for several seasons, and most packets hold more seeds than the home garden requires. You’ll be able to pick up “new-to-you” seeds for your spring garden, and get to know some fellow local gardeners, too. Seed envelopes and label materials will be provided.

The film is all-ages appropriate, but children younger than ten may not want to sit through it, so use your judgment and consider others in the audience. The series is free and open to everyone. Donations to defray the costs of film rentals and refreshments will be gratefully accepted!

Award-winning January Series returns to Oak Hills

January 7-27, 9:30-10:30 am, (Monday through Friday), Oak Hills Community Church, 2800 NW 153rd Ave

The 2015 edition features a solid lineup of speakers including Richard M. Daley, the longest-serving mayor in Chicago’s history; Tova Friedman, one of the youngest known survivors of the Auschwitz concentration camp; and Bryan Stevenson, who is considered by archbishop Desmond Tutu to be “America’s young Nelson Mandela,” to name a few. This will be one of 45 remote webcast locations worldwide to broadcast one of the nation’s leading lecture and cultural arts series.

The experts will be discussing a wide range of today’s most relevant topics, including mass incarceration, the persecution of Christians around the world, the obesity epidemic in America and the effect technology usage has on people’s spiritual and social lives.

 “The fact that we bring in the experts allows us to go deeper into topics we see every day on the news,” said Kristi Potter, the director of the January Series. “And, it comes at the start of a new year when people are ready to listen and learn.” While the January Series doesn’t follow a particular theme year to year, Potter says the 2015 edition seems to have a couple of threads woven throughout: the power of story and global security.

The January Series lectures will be video streamed live at Oak Hills Community Church, and are brought to this location with support from Sam and Corinne Bosch. The lectures are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available and childcare is provided if requested ahead of time.

For more information about the January Series, contact Corrine Bosch at 503-645-7907. To download a hi-res photo of any speaker, visit calvin.edu/january/2015 and click on the name of the speaker.

Bethany-governance: Beaverton

Thursday, January 22, 7 pm, Community Room of the new Fire Station, 13545 NW Evergreen Street

CPO #7 (official citizen group at the county level) is sponsoring a series of community get-togethers in 2015 to begin exploring the idea of the community becoming a part of the City of Beaverton.  Changing the current status from being residents of Unincorporated Washington County to residents of the City of Beaverton raises all sorts of questions and concerns,which these meetings hope to address.

Today, Bethany has a population of 31,000. Within the next 10-20 years, growth is projected up to 46,000. Important decisions are on the short horizon that will directly affect the Bethany community. Does Bethany have the necessary tools and government services to accommodate this growth, to represent the community's desires, and to address community needs? CPO 7 has invited the City of Beaverton in collaboration with our existing service providers to describe what services they can offer the community.

Some people believe that joining the City of Beaverton will result in higher property taxes without any commensurate benefit. But that is not necessarily true. So, please plan to attend this meeting and find out what it would mean for the community to become part of the City of Beaverton.

BSD New Middle School Open House

Tuesday, January 13, Open at 6 pm, presentation 6:30-8 pm, Bonny Slope Elementary School, 11775 NW MCDaniel Rd.

Parents, students and community members will be able to get their first look at the design concepts for the District’s new middle school this month. The doors will open at 6 pm to give the community a chance to preview the design concepts.

A preliminary plan was published last month

Beaverton School District has been developing options for the new middle school while working closely with the City of Beaverton to develop a site plan that meets the City’s development requirements. (The entire Timberland site was annexed into Beaverton in 2004.) The new middle school is funded by the May 2014 Bond. The building will house several school populations from around the district, while their schools are being completely rebuilt. It will be available for use as a Middle School in about three years.

The presentation by the school’s architects and planners will include the following: Site alternatives; Parent, staff, bus circulation pattern; Pedestrian access; Athletic fields; Building elevations. There will be an opportunity for participants to ask questions and provide comments and feedback.

The BSD construction contractor selection committee selected Skanska for the new middle school. Skanska is a very large, highly qualified contractor that has performed well for the BSD on prior projects, including the following in the 2006 Bond: Bonny Slope Elementary School, Beaver Acres Elementary School addition, and the Transportation Support Center (TSC) construction project.

Celebrate MLK weekend at Cedar Mill Park

Saturday, January 17, 9 am-noon, Cedar Mill Park, 10385 NW Cornell Road

Celebrate a legacy of service by removing English ivy and Himalayan blackberry from the upland forests of Cedar Mill Park! Dress in layers for the weather. Bring your own gloves if you wish. Please bring a re-usable water bottle to drink from throughout the day. Tools, snacks and a water cooler will be provided!Volunteers will meet in the lower parking lot for a brief orientation before getting started.

Visit this page to register: thprd.org/nature/volunteers/parkimprovementvolunteers.cfm

"Nature Kids" Preschool Open House

Saturday, January 31, 10 am–noon, Tualatin Hills Nature Center, 15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton

Parents eager to see their 3 to 5-year-olds interact with their natural environment at an early age are encouraged to attend with their children to learn more about the Nature Kids preschool program and to register early for the 2015-16 school year.

The half-day program is offered mornings and afternoons, Monday through Friday.

“Nature is an amazing playground that we are lucky enough to explore every day!” said Karen Munday, the program’s coordinator. “Nature Kids combines outdoor exploration with indoor preschool learning to get kids prepared for kindergarten and establish a life-long connection to nature.”

Nature Kids curriculum focuses on experiential learning through exposure to nature and the changing seasons, helping children thrive in a safe and active natural environment.

Open house attendees can meet instructors, visit classrooms, and tour the grounds of  The Tualatin Hills Nature Park, which features evergreen and deciduous forests, creeks, wetlands, ponds and meadows

Caregiver series

Thursdays, January 15-February 19, 1-3:30 pm, Southminster Presbyterian Church 12250 SW Denney Road, Beaverton

“Powerful Tools for Caregivers” is a six-week educational series designed to help unpaid family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend with a chronic illness. Caregivers will develop a wealth of self-care tools to reduce personal stress, communicate their needs effectively in challenging situations, deal with difficult emotions, and make tough caregiving decisions.

You will benefit from this class whether you are helping a parent, spouse, or friend, someone who lives at home, in a facility, or across the country. Class size is limited, and registration is required. There is a suggested donation of $30 to help defray cost of the book, but not required in order to attend class. Register by calling: 503-846-3089.

Even if you don’t sign up for the class, if you are providing care for a relative or friend age 60 or over, or of any age with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, there are services that can help you cope with the challenges and meet the needs of family caregiving. For information and referral, respite, durable medical equipment and adaptive aids, case management, support groups, counseling services and education and training call 1-855-673-2372.

Musical theater stars in concert

Saturday January 31, 7:30 pm, Christ United Methodist Church

Two outstanding stars of Portland musical theater join together for a fun evening of famous and little known duets. Debbie Hunter is a Chicago area native. This “lithe voiced, warm and thoroughly likeable performer,” currently calls the Pacific Northwest her home. A versatile stage actress and singer, she has appeared in leading roles in dozens of productions, both musical and non-musical at a variety of theaters including Portland Center Stage, Dallas Theater Center, Court Theater, and Artists Repertory Theater.

The cost is $15 per person. Tickets are available at the door, or you can reserve tickets by calling 503-646-1598, or email office@cumcpdx.org.

Forum schedule, new President

January 12, 11:45 am-1 pm at the Peppermill Restaurant, 17455 SW Farmington Rd, Aloha

The Washington County Public Affairs Forum will meet to listen to Tri-Met general manager, Neil McFarlane. He has served as Tri-Met's executive director for capital projects since 1998. Tri-Met Service to the Citizens of Washington County will be the topic.

The Washington County Public Affairs Forum elected Rob Solomon as  President during its Board meeting on December 13, 2014. Mr. Solomon had been serving as First Vice President and is the former chair of Beaverton's Human Rights Commission.

"I am honored to be elected to the presidency of an organization with such a rich sixty eight year tradition of bringing issues to the people of Washington County" said Mr. Solomon. " I look forward to building upon that tradition offering creative and innovative programs throughout 2015. The opportunity for our County residents to interact directly with community leaders in an intimate setting is invaluable to our leaders and to Washington County."

Mr. Solomon has been active in politics since his teen years. He has served on several government commissions and was a candidate for Beaverton City Council in 2012.

First Garden Club Meeting of the Year!

January 21, 9:30 am, Beaverton Community Center, 12350 SW 5th Street (across from the Beaverton Library)

The Cedar Mill Garden Club is kicking 2015 off with “Subtle & Bold: Herbs' Myriad Roles in Everyday Cooking” with Katherine Deumling from Cook with What You Have. With years of cooking in various parts of the world Katherine Deumling has a good sense of what works together, some of the tricks you need to make the simplest ingredients sing, and mostly how to feed hungry mouths with the least amount of stress and the most amount of satisfaction. She is a board member of Slow Food USA, and was the leader of Slow Food Portland from 2003 to 2008. She is an avid gardener, cook and food activist.

The Cedar Mill Garden Club continues to offer educational programming for the community. Join them to share gardening and landscaping tips, hear top-notch presenters on gardening and conservation, take field trips and share in the fellowship of like-minded men and women. For more information, please email Summer Browner (thecedarmillgardenclub@gmail.com) or visit their website: thecedarmillgardenclub.org.

Legislative Town Hall

January 22, 7 pm, Leedy Grange Hall, 835 NW Saltzman Road

Rep. Mitch Greenlick and Sen. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward will be holding this town hall for their constituents to discuss the upcoming legislative session.

New Merkley WashCo rep

Marc Siegel, who has been working with Washington County residents for the US Senator Jeff Merkley, is moving to Washington DC. Business liaison Jake Oken-Berg is the interim contact for Washington County. His contact information is jake_oken-berg@merkley.senate.gov and 503-326-3386.

Stormwater class series

At this time of year, we can see exactly what stormwater runoff does to our landscape. As the rainy weather becomes the norm, many landowners in the area call the Conservation District about installing a rain garden to improve water quality and better manage stormwater. Unfortunately, areas of our region have steep slopes, high groundwater tables, and clay soils, which make infiltration difficult if not dangerous at many sites.

West Multnomah SWCD recognized the issue and worked with its partners to create a menu of runoff reduction strategies and deliver a series of workshops. Southwest Watershed Resources, private consultants and landowners helped to put together fact sheets and informational videos for these strategies (wmswcd.org).

The Conservation District will hold another workshop series this year that allows participants to design and help build a variety of stormwater management structures and practices. Here are some details on the 2015 workshop series:

Introduction to Stormwater Workshop: Saturday, March 14, 9 am-3 pm

Hands-On Workshops - Build the Best Practices:

Saturday, April 11, 9 am-1 pm

Saturday, May 2, 9 am-1 pm

Saturday, May 16, 9 am-1 pm

Participants receive hands-on training as stormwater projects are installed at two residential demonstration sites that have different challenging conditions. Attendees work together to implement designs from the Introductory Workshop in collaboration with each of the homeowners. Participants are encouraged (but not required) to attend all workshops as different techniques and conditions are tackled at each site.

More information on stormwater solutions is available here.

Concert For the Kids

Saturday, January 31, Doors open at 6 pm, Concert starts at 6:30 pm, Sunset Presbyterian, 14986 NW Cornell Rd

Sunset Presbyterian is very excited to have Jana Alayra in concert this January, and they’re inviting everyone to join them! Jana is a children’s worship leader who uses catchy songs and fun, interactive dance moves to give kids the opportunity to worship and learn about Jesus.

Tickets are $5 and are sold both online (jana.sunsetpres.org) and at the door. This is a perfect opportunity for preschool and elementary kids to sing, dance, jump, shout, and participate on stage with Jana. To learn more about Jana, check out her website: janaalayra.com.

Can Your Ashes

It’s that time of year again! With the cold temperatures outside, a lot of people are using their fireplaces and woodstoves. And consequently, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue and neighboring response agencies are responding to fires that are caused by improperly disposed hot coals or ashes from fireplaces and woodstoves.

“Just like proper disposal of charcoal briquettes in summer, we encourage people to dispose of fireplace and woodstove ashes during the winter in a metal container with a lid and to keep it away from any combustibles," said TVF&R public information officer Alisa Cour.  “Ashes can smolder for days and pose a danger even when you think they are cold."

To be safe, simply treat all ashes and coals as hot, even when you think they had time enough to cool. To properly dispose of ashes or coals we recommend the following:

• If possible, allow ashes and coals to cool in the area where you had the fire for several days. These devices are designed to contain their heat safely.
• When it is time to dispose of the ashes, transfer them to a metal container and wet them down.
• Keep the metal container outside your home and away from any combustibles until the refuse is hauled away.
• DO NOT place any other combustibles in the metal container.

More Fireplace Safety Tips

• Have your chimney inspected annually, and cleaned as necessary, by a professional chimney sweep to ensure it is clear of obstructions and creosote.
• Repair any cracks in your chimney and fireplace.
• Use fireplace screens to keep sparks and fire debris inside the fireplace.
• Do not use an accelerant to start a fire.
• Ensure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of all combustibles.
• Keep all children and pets a safe distance from fireplaces.
• Make sure smoke alarms are in good, working order.

Enjoy your fireplaces and woodstoves this winter; just remember to can your ashes! For tips on other winter safety topics, visit www.tvfr.com.

Viva Villages

January 15, 6:30-8 pm, near the junction of Murray and Allen in Central Beaverton

Learn about how the nonprofit, grassroots Viva Village! will change the paradigm of aging in the Beaverton area. Viva Village! volunteers are hosting an informal introduction to the Village Movement in a private home. There is plenty of room but please RSVP to rbarsottic@hotmail.com or call 503-644-7417 for more information and to get the address.

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